UK Hoops to face Wright State in first round
March 20, 2014
By Tyler Spanyer | UK Hoops beat writer
Explosive, scrappy and fast are all words UK Hoops head coach Matthew Mitchell uses to describe Wright State University.
The Cats and Raiders are set to face each other in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at 11 a.m. Saturday in Memorial Coliseum.
“They are a very talented, aggressive team,” Mitchell said. “They have incredible guard play and love playing together. It’s going to be a challenge for us.”
The Raiders are appearing in their first ever NCAA Tournament, but UK junior guard Jennifer O’Neill does not believe experience is a large factor in determining games this late into the season.
“If you’re not nervous come postseason play, then you probably shouldn’t be playing,” O’Neill said. “I think there is a big difference in (postseason) play, but each year is different so it’s almost like we are all on the same level.”
The Raiders have a very potent offense that is fourth in the country in scoring at 84 points per game.
Wright State is led by junior guard Kim Demmings, who is tenth in the country in scoring with an average of 22.7 points per game. Senior guard Ivory James averages 17.2 points per game good enough for second on the team.
“I look at their guard play on tape and they are just outstanding,” Mitchell said.
The Cats may look to exploit the undersized Wright State team that doesn’t have a player taller than 6-feet playing significant minutes.
“Rebounding is going to be huge in this game,” said senior forward DeNesha Stallworth. “I think our size is definitely going to be an advantage but we have to take that advantage and use it.”
The Cats post is bolstered by a pair of seniors in Stallworth and forward Samarie Walker. The two average a combined 21.4 points and 15.6 rebounds per game.
“We have to be solid inside,” Mitchell said. “Their guards are very scrappy and will strip the ball if given the opportunity.”